OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - It is with great respect and admiration that the Canadian Paralympic Committee celebrates the career of wheelchair basketball veteran David Durepos (Fredericton, N.B.), who has announced his retirement from competition after a 19-year career that included three Paralympic gold medals.

A five-time Paralympian, Durepos played on dominant Canadian national teams that won Paralympic gold medals at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and London 2012 Paralympic Games, along with a silver in Beijing in 2008.

"Dave was a total team player from day one that he joined the national team in 1994. His pure shooting, leadership, pride for his country and sense of humour allowed "Dirt" to have a long storied career. He is widely recognized as not only having been one of the best shooters on the Canadian team, but the world," said Team Canada Head Coach Jerry Tonello.

"Dirt was the cornerstone of a Canadian team whose foundation was strengthened by his character and leadership. We wish him all the best in his retirement. He will be missed but his legacy in our sport will live on through the young players he has been able to mentor," added Tonello.

Durepos competed in five World Championships, winning one gold and three bronze medals. In 2011 Durepos was named Canada's opening ceremony flag bearer at the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara. Durepos was the province of New Brunswick's first-ever athlete to bring home an Olympic or Paralympic gold medal, following the team's win at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

Durepos is also a dynamic and bilingual public speaker who has appeared at numerous schools and corporate events, helping raise awareness about the Paralympic movement.

"On behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, a heartfelt thank you to David for his contributions to Paralympic sport and congratulations on an unparalleled career," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "David will no doubt be missed on the Canadian wheelchair basketball team for his character, experience and leadership."

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 25 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian high performance athletes with a disability and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca

SOURCE Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)

Image with caption: "It is with great respect and admiration that the Canadian Paralympic Committee celebrates the career of wheelchair basketball veteran David Durepos (Fredericton, N.B.), who has announced his retirement from competition after a 19-year career that included three Paralympic gold medals. (CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140115_C9032_PHOTO_EN_35559.jpg

Image with caption: "Durepos was Canada's opening ceremony flag bearer for the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. (CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140115_C9032_PHOTO_EN_35560.jpg